The UK government has announced funding for a new cybersecurity initiative aimed at boosting cybersecurity maturity in overseas firms. The program, known as the Cyber Accelerated Maturity Programme (CAMP), is spearheaded by the not-for-profit IT security certification body CREST and funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). The program aims to support firms in Armenia, Bahrain, Georgia, Ghana, Kenya, Lithuania, Malaysia, Oman, the Philippines, and Thailand.
These countries have been identified as needing to improve their cyber ecosystems. CAMP will offer tailored training and guidance to help these companies achieve accreditation, expand their local customer bases, and export their services internationally. CREST CEO Nick Benson expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, “We are delighted to launch CREST CAMP, which is part of our increasing role supporting companies globally on their journey of professionalization and growth.
CREST’s active work in global capacity building is essential for those companies that need more support and guidance.”
The launch of CAMP signals a shift in development funding priorities. Historically, cybersecurity grants have primarily targeted government agencies. However, there is a growing acknowledgment of the importance of involving the private sector in enhancing a country’s cyber resilience and securing critical national infrastructure.
Boosting private sector cyber resilience
Benson highlighted the importance of this shift: “Thank you to the FCDO for supporting CREST CAMP and recognising the importance of the private sector in developing a country’s cyber resilience and better securing critical national infrastructure.”
The program will leverage a global network of CREST-accredited member companies, training providers, and academic partners. Participating cohorts will include national cybersecurity authorities and service providers, who will receive intensive mentoring from CREST’s established member companies.
These mentoring companies will offer support in methodology, policy, and skills development, helping local firms make initial improvements. Alongside this, CAMP plans to support up to eight training providers in developing accredited training organizations within the participating countries. This comprehensive approach aims to help leaders in these countries formulate longer-term cybersecurity strategies.
The funding from the FCDO is expected to be the first of several investments in CREST CAMP, with hopes for additional support from development agencies, multilateral banks, and philanthropists in the future. In an increasingly interconnected world, the CAMP initiative represents a proactive step towards global cybersecurity resilience. By focusing on building capacity in countries that need it most, the program not only enhances individual national security but also contributes to the global fight against cyber threats.
“It is essential that we look beyond our own national borders to do the hard work that makes us all safer from cyber threats,” Benson concluded.
